D4 head gasket - what now ?

[williamr]

Hi all,

I have a 2013 d4 (132000kms) which I love, unfortuntely whilst towing a campervan it overheated as a result of a coolant leak from the coolant outlet in the V of the engine. LR replaced the coolant outlet, pressurised the system and told me it was all good.

By the time I get her home the coolant light was coming on and I have been replacing up to 4litres of coolant a week every since! They believe (and MR Automotove at Recliffe have confirmed) it is a blown head gasket (best case scenario) or a cracked head (worse case scenario).

Qoute by LR to do head gaskets = $12000 quote by MR to replace engine (will not do head gaskets) = $27000!

Apparently the coolant outlet is a known fault (cost for part is about $100) however LR do not replace the part as part os schedule maintenance or tell anyone about it.

Not impressed for a car still worth $30k in good condition! Anyone else heard of this problem - it has been suggested I should go to the ACCC about it.

Has anyone tried a gasket sealant you add to cooling system so i can get her salable?

THanks all I am in a real predicament!

[loanrangie]

So you want to hide a major defect from an unsuspecting buyer ?

[BigJon]

So you want to hide a major defect from an unsuspecting buyer ?

Welcome to the real world.

[Pippin]

Welcome to the real world.

The "Real World" is not supported on this forum!

[BigJon]

The "Real World" is not supported on this forum!

I am often not a fan myself. Unfortunately we have to partake from time to time.

[scarry]

Hi all, however LR do not replace the part as part os schedule maintenance or tell anyone about it.

MR Auto consider it as a part that needs replacing at least every 5 yrs or whenever the coolant is replaced,whichever comes first.

Another reason to stay way from dealers.

I also agree with the above posts in relation to making the vehicle 'saleable'.

[PerthDisco]

It’s a shame people find often these forums in rage after a disaster as even the most cursory google investigation would flag this as a Top 3 issue cheaply and easily avoidable.

[loanrangie]

Head gasket issues dont appear to be common on these motors, i'd be wanting a 2nd opinion and exhaust all possibilities before engine replacement or major repair.

[PerthDisco]

Head gasket issues dont appear to be common on these motors, i'd be wanting a 2nd opinion and exhaust all possibilities before engine replacement or major repair.

They are when you cook them.

[wildcard808]

Sorry to hear about your woes, William! I have a 2011 D4, 3.0L diesel, going on 170,000kms. I booked my timing belt change with my mechanic last week (for the end of September... COVID has been good to him, apparently), and he suggested we change the cooler housing that lives under the plastic covers at the same time, as they are prone to failure past 150,000kms.

He showed me a coolant housing (plastic!!) that had failed, it sheared off at the hose inlet side (I think it houses the thermostat as well?), and said it would cost about $250 for an alloy version, fitted. At the time, I thought he was just trying to sell additional work I didn't need (and let me tell you, the timing belts are NOT cheap, close to $3k), so I told him I'll think about it and tell him when I bring the car in.

Having read your post, I now reckon $250 is a whole lot of peace of mind, especially having seen the part and knowing it's a plastic fitting that's sitting in the bowels of the engine!!!

Good luck with it all...